J.HAR EXCLUSIVE Movie Review: Obsessed

It’s a sticky situation when a temp worker begins to lust after her uber successful authority. I’ve seen it happen a million times on Lifetime but this go-round, it’s a little different.

Sony Pictures brings us into the lives of three people entangled in a whirlwind of lust, flirtation, and rage.

Idris Elba, who plays “Derek Charles”, a successful asset manager for Gage Bendix Management Company, has just received a huge promotion. Elba’s plays a clean-cut, laid back businessman married to his loving wife Sharon, played by none other than Beyoncé Knowles.

The film builds on the intimate chemistry of Derek and Sharon’s marriage, highlighting certain features of their home life, trust, and their son, Kyle. This relationship is contrasted with the increasing friction between Derek and his office’s new temp Lisa, played by Ali Larter.

From the beginning, Lisa’s lusty interest in Derek spills into the obvious and gets the ball rolling onto dangerous ground. Drenching herself in faux innocence with bad-girl flair, she manages to turn the heads of all the men in the office and quickly positions herself closer to Derek.

From a few drinks with Derek at a co-worker’s party and a list of naughty emails to an attempted suicide scheme and a steamy bedroom set-up, Lisa believes she’s cooked up the perfect recipe for martial sabotage. Sadly, Derek allows himself to get tangled in Lisa’s web (and in the men’s room stall) and soon, Sharon begins to take matters into her own hands. Sharon’s willingness to fight tooth-and-nail for her marriage results in a nasty cat fight and when temper’s flare, accidents happen.

This film is pretty much in the character range of both Elba and Larter, but takes on a new horizon for Knowles, as this role is a new one for her. As in Cadillac Records, Knowles plays a strong, determined character, but with a different kind of strength.

I won’t give away the ending or the surprising details, but from the trailer, you can gather the suspense and turmoil these three endure throughout the movie. Trailers can’t thoroughly provide the intimate connections audiences develop with characters…which is why this film is a must-see.

The film hits theaters April 24.

Jackson Harlem